Words Of Wisdom During These Times

Think On These Things

Nathele Graham

Life has become a very unnerving experience. Disease, unrest, anger, hatred, and many more evils fill the news, and dwelling on these things can cause fear to cripple us. It’s easy to become discouraged. Although we have network news and newspapers telling us all that’s going wrong, we aren’t the first generation to face hard times. Still, we are in the very last days prior to the Rapture, and we can expect demonic forces to be run wild. Biblical prophecy has warned us in order to prepare us. We can dwell on these frightening events, or we can dwell on positive things. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8. God’s blessings still abound, and we have a choice whether we see the bad or the good. Choose to see God and fill your thoughts with His promises.

It’s easy to see that there’s much injustice in this world. The reason it seems that criminals don’t pay for their crimes while the “good guys” struggle and are persecuted is that we aren’t looking at things from God’s perspective. We see what’s happening today and think that the rewards of this life are all that matter. God sees what’s going on in the world. There are crooked politicians who seem to go unpunished for their crimes, rioters who are filled with hatred but don’t seem to be held responsible for destroying property, child molesters who get a slap on the wrist, and many more sins that go unpunished. Or do they? God is perfect and His love is perfect. Even the smallest sin disqualifies us from eternal life, and unless a person is perfect, there’s no chance for eternal life. Because God loves us, He stepped into His creation to become sin in our place. If you’ve accepted Christ’s sacrifice for salvation, then you’ve been justified. “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39. Praise God. On the other hand, anyone who rejects Christ’s free gift condemns themselves to eternal damnation. So, when you see pictures of injustice in this world, think of the justice of God. Those criminals have rejected God and will spend eternity understanding God’s justice. Still, if they repent and turn from their wicked ways, God will forgive them, just as He forgave you and has justified you. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1. Think about that and you’ll find peace.

Paul also tells us to dwell on “whatsoever is pure”. Is there anything in this fallen world that’s pure? We might think of a newborn baby who’s so innocent and vulnerable, but that precious little bundle of joy has a sin nature just like you and me. So, what could we possibly dwell on that is pure? “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalms 12:6. Christians need reassurance, and there’s nothing more reassuring than God’s word. That’s where we find pure truth. A Christian who neglects to study Scripture misses out on God’s encouragement. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” Psalms 119:140. If we dwell on the poison the world feeds us, we miss what God wants us to feed upon.

Instead of filling your mind and heart with the latest news feed that brings into focus just how corrupt this world is, dwell on Scripture. It tells of God’s love and forgiveness It also gives us prophecy. Studying prophecy will open your eyes to the fact that God saw what’s happening today and told us so we wouldn’t be surprised. Prophecy has to be fulfilled, but it’s a comfort to know that the signs all point to the Rapture happening very soon. God is with us all the way. When I read of the throne of God with Seraphim proclaiming “Holy, Holy, Holy” day and night, I get goosebumps and I long to be there. I long to see the crystal sea, loved ones who have gone before, and most of all, long to see Jesus. Dwell on those things, brothers and sisters, and the fears of this life will fade.

It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all of us have thoughts and memories of lovely things. The hug of a loving parent, the first time you saw your spouse, holding your own baby are all lovely memories. It’s always awesome to look at God’s creation. The stars, the ocean, purple mountains majesty! Even though we live in this fallen world, there’s much to behold that is lovely. King David was a man of war who had strife in his kingdom and in his family. There were many things that could have caused him to turn away from God in bitterness and anger, but his psalms are filled with just how awesome God is. “…The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalm 19:1. When life becomes overwhelming, go find a flower and really look at it. God spoke everything into existence, including flowers. Dwell on His power and His love. It will change your attitude and bring peace to your soul.

We choose what we set our minds to. We can look at the evil in this world and become disheartened, or we can dwell on Christ and what He’s done for us.

 It’s important to keep things in perspective and control our thoughts instead of letting them control us. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5. Don’t blame God for the wrongs in this life. Instead, turn your thoughts to Jesus and the fact that He has overcome Satan and defeated him at the cross. This is the truth we need to think on. Paul reminded us “…whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8b. The victory of Christ over death is definitely a good report with virtue and worthy of praise. Think on that when you get discouraged, and soon you will be praising the Lord with all your heart.